History of Oneida County, New York : with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 77

Author: Durant, Samuel W
Publication date: 1878
Publisher: Philadelphia : Everts & Fariss
Number of Pages: 920

USA > New York > Oneida County > History of Oneida County, New York : with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 77

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Mr. Butterfield was no politician, but such was his prom- inence as a citizen and his extensive interests as a property- holder, that the Republican party placed his name at the head of the city ticket in 1865, and he was elected Mayor of Utica. In the same year he was a candidate on the Democratic ticket for State Senator. He died from the effects of a paralytic stroke Nov. 14, 1869. Mr. Butter- field left a widow and six surviving children,-three sons and three daughters: Theodore F., John, Daniel, Mrs. James B. Van Vorst, Mrs. Alexander Ilolland, and Mrs. William M. Storrs. Daniel was a distinguished officer during the war of the Rebellion, rising to the rank of major-general, and subsequently filled the office of Assist- tant Treasurer of the United States at New York.

IIngh White, the first settler of Whitestown, in 1784, became a citizen of Utica in 1823. He was appointed, by Judge Ezekiel Bacon, agent of the new packet company which was organized in that year, and from that time con- tinned to reside in the place until his death, in 1860 .*

Another new-comer of 1823 was Michael McQuade, long known in Utica as an extensive brewer and as alderman for many years of the First Ward. He is the father of General James McQuade, Thomas R., Patrick, Mrs. Egan, and Mrs. Bulger.

The board of trustees for the year 1824 appropriated the sum of $1837.25 for general expenses, and recommended an additional levy of $400 for the support of the poor ; and the principal of the public schools, Roswell Holcomb, was paid a salary of $350.

Genesee Street was paved during the season from the canal to the office of the clerk of the Supreme Court ; Rome Street was widened and its name changed, in compliment to the nation's distinguished guest, to Fayette Street; and various other streets, lancs, and alleys were opened and im- proved. Sewers were also constructed on Genesee, Main, Burnet, Charlotte, and Bleecker Streets, and sidewalks were constructed on Jay, First, and Elizabeth Streets; a lot for a new engine-house was leased on Franklin Street, and steps were taken towards establishing a cemetery. Eight watch- men were also appointed for night service.

A new village surveyor, in the person of Holmes Hut-

chinson, was appointed this year to take the place of Charles C. Brodhead. Mr. Hutchinson had been appointed an engineer on the Erie Canal as early as 1819, and in 1835 was made chief engineer, which position he occupied until 1841. Among his multitudinous labors were surveys and maps of the Erie and Champlain, the Oswego, the Black River, the Chenango, the Crooked Lake, and the Chemung Canals. He also had charge of the Cumberland and Ox- ford Canal, in Maine, and the Blackstone Canal, in Massa- chusetts and Rhode Island. He did a large amount of surveying in various counties, and was a prominent stock- holder and manager in various railway and banking enter- prises, navigation companies, etc. Dr. Bagg states that "in his office, on Bleecker Street, were drawn up all the plans and specifications for the whole line of the enlarged (Erie) Canal."

It is, perhaps, not generally known that the Mohawk River has been utilized for hydraulic purposes at Utica ; but such is the fact. After the construction of the Erie Canal, the use of the river for transportation purposes was abandoned, and the question of constructing dams and mills began to be discussed. The people of Utica were divided upon the subject ; but in the year 1823 an act was passed by the Legislature authorizing the construction of a dam at Utica, and in September of that year one was built a few rods below the bridge, and a grist-mill put in operation by Parker & Alverson. It was not long before complaints began to be made by parties owning land above, and a suit was brought against the mill-owners, which resulted in their favor; but the feeling against the enterprise increased, and when a second suit was commenced the proprietors aban- doned the business, and the mill and damn were removed.

Among the distinguished men of this period were Judge Greene C. Bronson, f the celebrated advocate and jurist ; Benjamin F. Cooper; Samnel D. Dakin, a noted journalist and mechanic; Henry K. Sanger; Elisha Harrington, a teacher, but better known as the compiler of several of the early directories of Utica; Isaiah Tiffany, a bookseller ; Alrick Hubbell, a prominent merchant and civil and mili- tary officer, who died in January, 1877; George S. and James Wilson, printers, and noted for the interest they mani- fested in the Sunday-school cause; Ira Merrell, another printer; Henry Ivison, a book-binder; and Harry Bushnell, a remarkable singer, exhorter, and class-leader in the Metbo- dist Church.

The year 1825 was marked by two great events in the history of Utica,-the visit of General Lafayette and the celebration of the opening of the Erie Canal; the first in June, and the last in October. The village trustees called a meeting in May, at which a committee of arrangements, consisting of the President, William Clark, Esq., and Messrs. Maynard and Ballou, was appointed to confer with others in arranging an appropriate programme for the re- ception of the distinguished guest of the nation. A com- mittee of citizens was likewise appointed, and every prepara- tion made for a general jubilee. The following account was published in one of the papers of the place, and repub- lished in Dr. Bagg's work, from which we transcribe it :

# Sec history of Whitestewn.

t See Chapter XVIII.

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HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY, NEW YORK.

"June 9, 1825, the depntations from the general committee of ar- rangements at Utica, of which His Honor, Judge Williams, was chair- man, accompanied by Colonel Lansing and His Honor Judge Storrs, proceeded to Rome to meet General Lafayette. At Roine they were joined by General Weavor and his suite, on the part of the military deputation. A deputation from the committee at Rome, with Colonel Lansing, Judge Williams, and Judge Storrs, proceeded in a bont some miles up the canal and met the bont of the general. At ten o'clock in the evening, the general, his son, Colonel Lafayette, M. Le Vasseur, his secretary, and another friend, were received into car- riages and conducted to the arsenal, where they were received by Lieutenant Simonson, the commandant of that post, with a national salute, and the other honors usually paid to n major-general. Ladies and gentlemen were introduced, and he was then condueted to Starr's Hotel, and an address delivered him by Wheeler Barnes, president of the village. The village was illuminated. At six o'clock on the 10th inst. he visited Colonel Lansing at Orisknoy, who was under bis command at Yorktown. A committee from the village of Whites- boro' conducted him in a barouche, attended by a military escort, to the yard of the late residence of Judge Platt, where he was intro- duced, aod thence to the house of Mr. Berry, where he was received by the general committee of arrangements, and an address delivered him by Judge Williams. Next he visited the widow of Judge White, at whose house he was entertained in 1784, when he assisted at the treoty with the Indians held at Rome.

" The procession was formed at Whitesboro'. The general was seated in the barouche, accompanied by Judge Williams, and preceded by an escort of cavalry commanded by General John J. Knox. The general was followed by a carriage conveying his son, Colonel Lafny - ette, Colonel Lansing, Colonel Mappa, and Richard R. Lansing. Next succeeded coaches with his secretary, M. Le Vasseur, the other gentle- men of his suite, and the Utica committee, Judge Storrs, Lieutenant Simonson, and Captain Wright, of Rome. A large cavalcade of citi- zens on horseback, riding three abreast, followed, and were succeeded hy a squadron of cavalry under Lieutenant Conc. The procession moved rapidly, and increased as it passed, from the accession of citizens. All the way the fences were lined and the houses thronged with people, manifesting the utmost eagerness to see the favorite and guest of the Nation. When the general arrived at the boundary of the village & salute of twenty-four guns was fired. The procession entered La- fayette Street, where the troops, under the command of Lieutenant- Colonel Ostrom, were drawn up on both sides of the way, and saluted the general as he passed. The procession entered Genesee Street, the crowd of eager spectators accumulating at every step, and passed the bridge over the canal, where a triumphal arch was erected, with a flag prepared by Mr. Vanderlip, labeled 'LAFAYETTE, THE APOSTLE OF LIBERTY, WE HAIL THEE WELCOME!' The procession moved down Genesee Street, the sidewalks, doors, and windows being thronged, ond stopped nt Shepard's Hotel, where the general was received on the steps at the front door by William Clarke, Esq., president of the vil- lage of Utien, and the corporation, and a speech was delivered by Mr. Clarke, followed by a reply from Lafayette.

" The geoeral breakfasted and dined at Shepard's, and in the inter- val the ceremonies of introduction and the review of the troops were performed. An immense number of gentlemen of the county of Oneida and the vicinity were introduced to the general, and at twelve o'clock the ladies were introduced, which ceremony occupied nearly an hour, so great was the number whom patriotism, respect, and affection called to the interesting scene. The troops passed in review before the general, who received their salute standing uncovered on the steps of Mr. Shepard's front door. At the particular request of General Lafayette, the chiefs of the Oneidas were invited to ineet him ; and among them he recognized two whom he knew during the Revolu- tionary war. But one of the most solemn and affecting incidents was the interview between the general and the old soldiers of the Revolu- tionary army. A large number were assembled, some of whom were with him at the attack on the redoubts at Yorktown. The deep and keen feelings manifested by these venerable men ou once more behold- ing their beloved general, and his frequent exclamations, 'Oh, my friend, I know yon !' with the impassioned salutations, excited the liveliest sympathies of every heart.

"Over the front door of Mr. Shepard's hotel was placed n splendid transparent painting, by Mr. Vonderlip, on which was inscribed in large letters, 'WELCOME, LAFAYETTE.' After the general had partaken of a cold collation (the only dinner which circumstances would permit),

at which Rev. Mr. Willey craved the blessing of Providence, the general, by particular request of the President of the United States, visited the family of Alexander B. Johnson, Esq. (Mrs. Johnson being niece of the President), who, with a few ladies of the village, received him with the cordiality and respect which all feel. On his return he called for a moment at the house of Arthur Breese, Esq., where the Rev. Mr. Galusha delivered him a neat poetical address. The general then paid his respects to the family of President Clarke, and was con- ducted to the packet-boat 'Governor Clinton,' named for the occasion ' Lafayette,' commanded by Major Swartwont, and which had been fitted in tasteful and elegant style for his accommodation to Schenec- tady. It was drawn by three white horses, which, with their rider, had appropriate decorations. At the moment of embarkation a salute of twenty-four guns was fired, and when the boat began to move the citizens congregated on the bridges and banks of the canal rent the air with loud and long-continued cheering, which was repeated at intervals until the general had passed the compact part of the village. At the last bridge, near the residence of the lamented Judge Miller, little boys threw baskets of flowers into the boat as it passed. The general all the time presented himself to the people, and noswered their congratulations with bows and expressive gesticulations. The committee attended him to the bounds of the county, and a deputation proceeded with him."

The visit of the illustrious compatriot of Washington to America was the greatest event of the kind which the people of the United States have ever been witness to, and he was everywhere received with the liveliest demonstra- tions of gratitude and respect. His journey through the various portions of the country was like the triumphal march of a conqueror, and one continued ovation, amid the ringing of bells, the thunder of artillery, and the acclamations of the populace, which met him at every step. The village of Utica bore an honorable part in the general jubilee, and her older eitizens, the few remaining ones who remember the joyful occasion, still speak with pride of the honors shown to him who was the bosom-friend of the " Father of his Country,"-the unselfish patriot who threw his fortune and influence into the scale in favor of the " rights of man.

The second great event was the celebration of the opening of the grand Erie Canal throughout its entire extent, which commenced on the 26th of October and continued for several days. Governor Clinton, the officers of the State government, a committee of the Common Council of the city of New York, and numerous delegations of citizens in a flotilla of boats made the passage from Lake Erie to Sandy Hook amid the most enthusiastic demonstrations along the whole route. The people of Utica were not behind other towns and cities in doing honor to the occasion.

The following gentlemen constituted the Committee of Arrangements appointed by the people of the village to take part in the grand celebration : William Clarke, presi- deut of the corporation, Jonas Platt, Thomas H. Hubbard, Charles C. Broadhead, Richard R. Lansing, and Dr. Alex- ander Coventry.

The Governor and delegatious reached Utica on Sunday, and in the afternoon attended divine services at the Pres- byterian Church. * On Monday there was a grand reception at the court-house, where Judge Ezekiel Bacon, on behalf of the town, delivered an address, which was feelingly re- sponded to by Governor Clinton, whose far-seeing vision had comprehended the great work, and whose untiring energy and indomitable will had triumphed over the ob- stacles of nature and the seoffs and ridicule of ignorance,

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HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY, NEW YORK.

until he stood vindicated before the world as a profound statesman and the greatest public benefactor of the age .*

The completion of this great work was an important event in the history of Utica, and a very large trade con- centrated here, giving the place an impetus which in the course of five years nearly doubled its population, and which to the present time has undoubtedly been an impor- tant factor in its steady upbuilding. The completion of the Chenango Canal in 1836, connecting the Erie Canal with the waters of the Susquehanna River, was another important event which added to the business and healthy growth of Utica; and the climax of its good fortune was reached when the railways and the great manufacturing in- dustries subsequently added their crowning influence.

The influence of the Erie Canal upon the increase of the place is best shown by a few figures touching the popula- tion. In 1820, when a portion of the canal was in opera- tion, the number of inhabitants was 2972; in 1823, it had increased to 4017; in 1825, to 5040; and in 1830, to 8335.

The great steam woolen- and cotton-mills were put in operation in 1846-48, and the railway influence began to be felt as early as 1839, and has been increasing in a steady ratio up to within a very few years by the extension of the great main line and the construction of new ones north and south.

Considerable feeling was aroused again in 1828 for the struggling Greeks, and Utica contributed quite liberally in their behalf.

In 1831 the terrible conflict which the Poles were waging against the gigantic power of Russia awakened a chord of sympathy throughout the civilized world. In the United States the feeling was intense, and public expressions of sympathy were made throughout the land, and substantial contributions in various forms werc forwarded to General. Lafayette, who had consented to act as agent for the Americans.

In Utica a public meeting was called at the court-house, on the 9th of September, 1831, at which an address and stirring resolutions were adopted, and a committee appointed to solicit subscriptions for the gallant people who had given Pulaski and Kosciusko to the cause of American liberty. Of this meeting Hon. Nathan Williams was chairman, and General Joseph Kirkland secretary. The following promi- nent gentlemen were appointed as the soliciting committee:

A. B. Johnson, D. Wager, T. H. Hubbard, Joseph Kirk- land, Montgomery Hunt, Horatio Seymour, William J. Bacon, Rudolph Snyder, James S. Porter, Abraham Culver, E. B. Shearman, Ammi Dows, A. Munson, J. McGregor, Aug. Hulburt, James Platt, John Newland, E. A. May- nard, T. R. Walker, Dr. J. McCall.

A considerable suin was raised and forwarded by this committee to General Lafayette, who responded in the fol- lowing characteristic letter :

" PANIS, November 29, 1831.

" GENTLEMEN,-The resolutions, the address, the donation of $974.59, and the letter which my American fellow-citizens of Utica have been pleased to send me, could not fail to excite those feelings of admira-

# See Chapter XVI.

tion, pride, and gratitude, the more gratifying to my heart when I remember the situation of your part of the country in the years 1777 and 1794, as well as the welcome bestowed upon me six years ago in your flourishing and beautiful town. The unhappy downfall of Poland will have been known in Utica long before this answer can reach you. But while we have to mourn together over the fate of that heroic nation, and to hope the day of justice shall rise again upon them, we find some consolation in the thought that the appropriation of fraternal relief could never be so seasonable as it proves to be in their present cir- cumstances. I have requested the American committee that had framed the first address to the sympathy of the citizens of the United States to assist me in the judicious distribution of the money intrusted to my hands. We meet every week, and there is an understanding between ns, the French committee and a committee of tho Poles already arrived in this capital. Accounts of those proceedings have already been transmitted to New York. Every mark of your so long- experienced affection and confidence is to me a most precious treasure. I beg you, gentlemen, to receive yourselves, and to transmit to the citizens of Utica the homage of my grateful and affectionate respect.

" LAFAYETTE.t

"The gentlemen of the Utica Committee."

CITY CHARTER.

Utica was incorporated as a city by an act of the Legis- lature, passed Feb. 13, 1832. Under this charter the city was divided into four wards by Genesee Street and the Erie Canal, the northeast quarter being the first ward, the northwest quarter the second ward, the southwest quarter the third ward, and the southeast quarter the fourth ward. The officers provided for by the charter were a mayor, four justices, one supervisor, and three constables for the city, and three aldermen, one assessor, and three inspectors of election in each ward. All these, except the mayor, were elected by the people; the mayor was appointed by the Common Council until 1840, when the office became an elective one. There were also appointed by the council a city clerk, an attorney, a treasurer, an overseer of the poor, a street commissioner, a surveyor, several collectors, two police constables, watchmen, and other subordinate officers.

" The amount of taxation was limited to $8000 in one year. Under the school law of 1843, two school commis- sioners were elected annually, who held their offices three years."}

The original charter was revised in 1849 and 1862, and perhaps at other periods. The boundaries under the charter were the same as those of the village, but under the new charter of March 31, 1849, they were enlarged, and the city was subdivided into six wards. The east and north boundaries remained on the county line and the Mohawk River, but the west line ran between lots Nos. 99 and 100 of Cosby's Manor, beginning at the river and running thence to a point in said line 200 rods south of the south side of Varick Street, thence at right angles with said line east to the east line of the county.

The first and second wards remained as before. The third was divided by the Chenango Canal, the part lying east forming the third, and the portion lying west of the said canal the sixth ward. The fourth ward was also divided by John, Rutger, and West Streets, the portion lying on the west side of the line forming the fourth, and that on the east the fifth ward.

t The original of this letter was destroyed when the council-room was burned, Dec. 7, 1848.

# Jones.

REA

Photo. by Williams.

Josiah Rathbun

JOSIAH RATHBUN was born in Brookfield, Chenango Co., N. Y., Jan. 12, 1795. He was second son in a family of seven children of Josiah Rathbun and Catharine Fitch. His father was of English descent ; was a native of Canaan, Conn., born about the year 1758. Was a soldier (in place of his father) of the Revolutionary war; was taken prisoner on the Vermont frontier by the British and Indians, and confined until the close of the war, when he married and settled in Brookfield. Afterwards removed to Denmark, Lewis Co., where he died at the age of eighty years. His wife was born about the year 1761, lived to be eighty years of age, and died at Denmark, Lewis Co. Dr. Rath- bun spent the time until he was seventeen years of age at home, receiving the advantages only of the common school. His father being in limited circumstances, Josiah resolved to leave home and begin a business life for himself.

He accordingly went to Martinsburg, N. Y., where he worked on a farm for two years, attending school during the winter seasons. It was during this time, on account of a feeble constitution, that he became impressed with the idea of leading a professional life, and entered Onondaga Acad- emy, in Onandaga County, where he remained for nearly three years, including the time spent in teaching in winter.

In the year 1820 he began the study of medicine at Lowville, Lewis Co., N. Y., which he continued for some three years, including one course of lectures at Fairfield, Herkimer Co., and two courses in the old Medical College of New York. After receiving his license, Dr. Rathbun practiced some eight years in Martinsburg, and then in the spring of 1833 came and settled in Utica, where he has remained until the present time in the practice of his

profession. He has lived to see most of his associates of the medical fraternity who were here when he came pass away.

Dr. Rathbun has never been active in politics. He was first a Clintonian, and identified with the old Whig party, but is now an unswerving member of the Republican party. He was formerly a member of the Medical Society of Lewis County, and since his residence here has been a member of the Medical Society of Oneida County.

Dr. Rathbun is a plain, unassuming man, known for unsullied integrity of purpose in all his dealings with his fellow-citizens; and in his professional career has remem- bercd the needy when his assistance could afford relief, as well as to dispense to those who were able to pay for his services. He has been a member of the Presbyterian Church since 1825, and a liberal supporter of all kindred interests.

In the year 1824 he married Miss Irene Ballard, of New York, by whom he had two children,-Anna, wife of General John W. Fuller, of Toledo, Ohio, and Jane, de- ceased. His wife died in 1856. For his second wife he married Miss Eliza, daughter of James S. Foster, of New Hartford, this county, with whom he now lives.

Dr. Rathbun is a careful and judicious practitioner, hon- orable in his professional intercourse, quiet and unobtrusive with the sick. Affable and courteous, a large and influen- tial circle called for his aid, and through many long years he has ministered to the same families. He retained a large business until age admonished him of required rest, and now, full of the memory of a well-spent life, he waits for the summons of the great king.

295

HISTORY OF ONEIDA COUNTY, NEW YORK.

Under this charter the officers to be elected were a mayor, recorder, attorney, treasurer, surveyor, overseer of the poor, marshal, street commissioner, four justices of the peace, and six school commissioners for the city, and two aldermen, a supervisor, assessor, collector, constable, and inspectors of election for each ward.

The boundaries under the revised charter of 1862 are described as follows, to wit :

" Beginning at the point in the middle of the Mohawk River where the division line between lots numbered 101 and 102 in Coshy's Manor intersects it, thence running southerly on said division line to the southerly line of the New York Central Railroad ; thence west- erly along said southerly line of said railroad to the west line of great lot 104 in said Cosby's Manor; thence running south oo said line to the north side of the Whitesboro' road ; thence easterly on the north side of said Whitesboro' road to the old division line between Joho S. Capron's and J. and C. Faass' laod; thence running south- erly along said division line to the line of New Hartford; thence easterly along the line of New Hartford to the westerly line of let 101 in said Coshy's Manor ; thence southerly along said line of let 101 to the centre of the road leading from Utica to Burr-Stnoe Mills (so called); thence easterly in the centre of said road to the westerly line of lot 100 in said Cosby's Manor; thence sontherly along said last-mentioned line to the line between the farms formerly owned by Samuel S. Thoro and Joha Butterfield ; thence easterly along the last-mentioned line te the centre of the old Seneca Turnpike ; thence easterly along the centre of Slaytoo's Bush Road (so called) to its intersectico with the centre of the road leading northerly through the farm owned by Robert McBride; thence northerly in the centre of said last-mentioned road to the present southerly bounds of the city of Utica; thence easterly along the present bonads of the city of Utica to the easterly hounds of Oneida County : thence northerly oa the easterly heunds of Oneida County to the centre of the Mohawk River ; thence westerly up the middle of the Mohawk River to the place of beginning."

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History of Oneida County, New York : with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 77

Author: Durant, Samuel W Publication date: 1878 Publisher: Philadelphia : Everts & Fariss Number of Pages: 920

Author: Durant, Samuel W
Publication date: 1878
Publisher: Philadelphia : Everts & Fariss
Number of Pages: 920